BALTIMORE, MD - In Baltimore, Maryland, black-owned businesses stand as pillars of the community. With black culture captivating audiences worldwide, a pertinent question emerges: Are these businesses experiencing a resurgence? This query reflects the widespread desire to not just celebrate black culture but also invest in it by supporting local enterprises.
Before the onset of the COVID-19 Pandemic, there was a notable upward trajectory in the growth of black businesses. Between 2017 and 2020, the nation witnessed a significant surge, with the number of Black-owned businesses increasing by 13.64%. However, projections indicate that if this growth rate of 4.72% persists, achieving parity with the proportion of Black individuals in America will require a staggering 256 years. Yet, in Maryland, 24% of businesses are owned by minorities, and nearly 30% of startups belong to minority owners. Moreover, minority-owned businesses in Maryland contribute significantly to job growth, with a remarkable 59% increase. However, nationwide, there's a stark disparity: while people of color constitute 40% of the population, they only own 20% of U.S. businesses, underscoring the systemic challenges and barriers faced by black entrepreneurs in accessing opportunities and resources.
Considering these statistics, it prompts us to ponder: where do black businesses flourish? Baltimore earns its place in this discourse, ranking 8th out of 20 in the list of prime locations for Black Businesses to thrive by the Black Business Alliance. Moreover, the Census site reports that the Black/African American population in Baltimore stands at 62.3%. This demographic landscape suggests a conducive environment for a substantial presence of black-owned businesses, fostered by robust local patronage.
Councilman Kristerfer Burnett, a dedicated Baltimore native residing in Southwest Baltimore alongside his wife, exemplifies a commitment to his community. In his role representing the entirety of District 8 within Baltimore City, Burnett seamlessly integrates his personal values into his professional duties. As a resident of Baltimore City himself, he actively engages in the practice of supporting black-owned businesses, demonstrating a tangible investment in the economic growth and empowerment of his fellow Baltimoreans. Regarding the state of black-owned businesses in Baltimore, Maryland, District 8 Councilman Kristen Burnett remarked, "I think there’s some of it that depends on the industry that they’re in. You know, I think that there’s a thriving food service community among black-owned businesses."
As black businesses in general grow, black alcohol beverage businesses numbers increase. Growing. But, truthfully in Baltimore food businesses still stand out. Baltimore boasts numerous black-owned establishments, with one standout being Cakes by Cynthia. Known for its vibrant pink storefront and accompanying dessert-based food truck, Cakes by Cynthia has become a beloved fixture in many communities. Cakes by Cynthia is located in Baltimore in the Lansdowne area. Owner Cynthia Carr has managed this family-owned business in a brick-and-mortar for almost 10 years. While cultivating fan-favorite flavors like Snickerdoodle and strawberry crunch cakes and cupcakes, she has also preserved throughout all the challenges she’s faced over the years. Carr attributes the success of her business to consistency, noting, "We’re consistent with our product. We have a different variety of products we serve every day, including 12-14 flavors of cupcakes." This dedication to excellence ensures that customers can rely on Cakes by Cynthia to deliver the same high-quality experience day in and day out, further solidifying its status as a cornerstone of the community.
Another example of black entrepreneurship in the Baltimore region is Next Act Cinema. The black-owned movie theatre stands as a testament to black entrepreneurship in the Baltimore region, nestled in Baltimore County's Pikesville. It proudly holds the distinction of being Maryland’s inaugural black-owned movie theater. It is also the only black-owned movie theatre in the entire DMV (DC, Maryland, Virginia). This cinematic gem offers patrons a unique boutique experience, complete with a bar and restaurant service available right at your seat. Founded by Anthony Fykes and Robert Wright, with Lea White-Young as the business strategist, Next Act Cinema mirrors the entrepreneurial spirit of Cynthia Carr. Just like Carr, Fykes, and Wright launched their venture without grants or local assistance, relying solely on their personal funds. Through determination and resilience, Carr forged a thriving business independently, paving the way for others like Next Act Cinema to follow suit.
Despite the remarkable strides made by black-owned businesses in Baltimore, challenges persist, particularly concerning access to resources and funding. Questions linger about where to find these vital resources and the ease of obtaining them. Many aspiring black entrepreneurs find themselves navigating a landscape fraught with barriers, where opportunities for growth and success are often elusive. Councilman Burnett addressed this concern by emphasizing the importance of connecting with the Baltimore Development Corporation (BDC). Delving into the BDC's offerings, he highlighted its role as "the city’s entry point to incubating small businesses." Therefore, aspiring business owners in Baltimore should turn to the BDC for support and guidance in establishing their startups or small businesses. With a plethora of assistance programs and resources under its umbrella, the BDC serves as a valuable ally in the journey of black entrepreneurship.
According to a Baltimore Banner article, studies reveal that Maryland holds the second position nationwide for successful minority entrepreneurs. a testament to the resilience and ingenuity of the black business community in the state. However, despite this promising ranking, the road to success remains arduous for aspiring black business owners. The research underscores the unequal distribution of opportunities among business owners, particularly affecting black entrepreneurs' access to essential funding for startup ventures. For many aspiring black business owners, the journey to entrepreneurship is further complicated by a lack of inherited finances, highlighting the persistent barriers faced in pursuing their entrepreneurial dreams.
The Banner's article delves into the pivotal role of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) in shaping the success of black businesses in Baltimore. These institutions serve as breeding grounds for entrepreneurial spirit, offering young black individuals’ early exposure to opportunities in business. Notably, a significant portion of black-owned businesses, particularly those in industries like hair and nails, are launched by black women. This trend aligns with the female-dominated nature of these sectors, underscoring the intersection of gender and entrepreneurship within the black community.
The story of black-owned businesses in Baltimore, Maryland, is one of resilience, innovation, and community. Against a backdrop of systemic challenges and barriers, black entrepreneurs continue to defy the odds, leveraging their creativity, determination, and unwavering spirit to build thriving enterprises that enrich the cultural fabric and economic vitality of the city. As Councilman Burnett aptly puts it, "There’s a thriving food service community among black-owned businesses." Indeed, Baltimore is home to a diverse array of black-owned establishments, each contributing to the vibrancy and diversity of the city's entrepreneurial landscape. Through collaboration, support, and a shared commitment to empowerment, black-owned businesses in Baltimore will continue to thrive, inspiring generations to come and shaping the future of entrepreneurship in the city and beyond.
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